Research Ramp Up FAQs

Graduate students and post-docs who have been identified as part of APPROVED “Return to Research” plans will be invited to complete the “Voluntary Participation” process by the Graduate College and Office of Research & Innovation. Click here for information on the graduate student and post-doc voluntary participation process.

To ensure equitable implementation of undergraduate participation in Phase 2 and given our pivot to remote delivery of undergraduate courses and the closure of the University's dormitories this fall, the following guidance will be utilized to assess an undergraduate student's participation in research, scholarly and creative activities on-campus, in the field, or in the clinic.

• Undergraduate activities CANNOT be related to their curricular requirements; this means no credit-bearing activities can occur. 

  • Examples include on campus, field-based, Senior / Freshman Design, Senior Thesis, Senior Research, etc. 

• Undergraduate activities related to the needed operational activities of the research, scholarly and creative activities ARE allowed. 

  • Examples include: STAR program participants, Work Study, COOP, paid "research" positions, and unpaid "research" positions. 

  • Please note: Work completed within the scope of these operational activities cannot be applied to any credit-bearing experiences.

Click here for information on the graduate student and post-doc voluntary participation process.

With the improving public health situation and the governor's office announcement that on June 5th Philadelphia county will transition from red to yellow phase. Given that research is designated as a life sustaining activity and the transition to yellow we decided that June 8th would be an appropriate date to transition to PHASE 1 of our research ramp up. This will allow us to slowly start to expand activities that were not allowed since March 18th. We will be closely monitoring the activities and adjusting our guidance and rules.

In Phase 2, the density of on-campus research, scholarly and creative activities can increase to no more than 66% of normal density. The overriding principle is that the physical distancing restrictions must be maintained. In addition to increasing density undergraduates can participate in operational aspects of research, scholarly and creative activities that are not associated with any credit-bearing activities.

Please contact Procurement Services at sourcing@drexel.edu to access current inventory for urgent needs. Procurement Services is also coordinating new orders.

No, but Drexel requires the use of the daily use of the Drexel Health Tracker app for individuals coming to campus. This app requires the individual to attest to the absence/presence of a variety of COVID-19 related symptoms.  Individuals with symptoms are instructed to immediate next steps and connected with resources.

Hand sanitizing stations will be available at each entrance to the building.

Regular trash.

Personnel must wear a face covering at all times in campus buildings (unless there is a designated office), interacting with others in outdoors and public spaces and when using University vehicles (unless there is a designated vehicle). We are not requiring the use of gloves outside the laboratories. Hand sanitizing stations will be available at each entrance to the building.

The protocol would be the same as the current essential personnel protocol, COVID-19 for Essential Personnel [PDF]. Using the Drexel Health Tracker app will connect an individual to information and resources.

The Research Ramp-Up COVID-19 Training is accessible via Career Pathway for Postdocs, Faculty, and Staff and bbLearn for Graduate Students and Undergraduates.

Yes. The return to research approval must be received from ORI prior to submitting an Essential Travel Request to the Essential Travel Review Committee. For more information about COVID travel guidance, please visit the Procurement website.

Use SmartSource to place your orders. If you have questions send an email to sourcing@drexel.edu.

Those employees who are required to support onsite operations and who currently utilize public transportation will have the option to park at Drexel during this period at no charge. Flexible parking arrangements are available for faculty and professional staff at the Drexel Garage (34th and Ludlow Street) or Lot F (31st and Ludlow Street).

To register for the new flexible parking option:

1. Log into DrexelOne 

2. Click on the Campus+Community tab 

3. Click Register for Parking via ParkDrexel in the Commuting channel 

4. Click Order Permits. Please select the Flex Parking permit type and choose your location.  Vehicle information such as license plate and VIN are required for registration. Employees will use their DragonCard to access the parking lot. 

For updates, contact parking@drexel.edu.

At this time, you should simply contact your supervisor to inform them of your need to visit campus. Prior to visiting campus you are required to check-in via the Drexel Health Tracker app.